Vision Base Launches Neighboring AI Series to Tackle Labor Shortage

Vision Base Launches Neighboring AI Series

In an era marked by acute labor shortages exacerbated by declining population numbers, Vision Base Inc. has taken a bold step forward. Headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, the company has officially launched its innovative generative AI support service, the "Neighboring AI Series." This service aims to help organizations transition from traditional strategies of increasing human resources to a more sustainable approach by harnessing the power of AI. The series promises to automate business processes in as little as 10 days, fundamentally addressing the workforce challenges that many companies currently face.

The Growing Crisis of Workforce Shortages

Japanese enterprises are encountering unprecedented levels of labor shortages. According to a recent survey by Teikoku Databank, as of April 2025, the percentage of companies experiencing a lack of full-time employees has surged to 51.4%. This figure approaches the peak level recorded in November 2018 (53.9%). Notably, around 70% of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) report feeling the strain, with over 60% indicating that these shortages are severely impacting their operations.

The root cause of this crisis can be traced back to Japan's structural population decline, which has rendered the workforce at its lowest point in history—approximately 73.73 million by October 2024. The ratio of the labor force to the total population has also fallen to just 59.5%. Additionally, projections from Persol's Research Institute estimate that the labor deficit will expand to 1.85 times that of 2023 by 2035, resulting in a staggering shortfall of 17.75 million working hours per day.

Given these statistics, traditional approaches focusing on increasing hires have clearly reached their limits. Recruitment costs continue to climb, while the rate of talent retention remains dismal. Data from Mynavi indicates that 76.6% of firms expect severe challenges in hiring new graduates within the 2025 fiscal year. To navigate these unprecedented pressures, companies must embrace a fundamental shift from hiring people to integrating AI into their operations.

Overview of the Neighboring AI Series

The "Neighboring AI Series" provides an easily accessible support service for generative AI, akin to having a research associate at one’s side. Its key attribute lies in a phased introduction of multiple AI agents tailored to specific tasks, rather than the typical deployment of large-scale AI systems. This unique, modular approach allows businesses to gradually implement AI solutions that meet their specific needs.

Three Service Plans

1. Generative AI Contract Development (Neighbor AI Factory)
This entry-level plan is designed for pilot projects aiming for rapid, cost-effective automation. Companies can implement a single AI agent within as little as 10 days, making this option particularly suitable for SMEs or first-time AI adopters.

2. Generative AI Consulting and Development (Neighbor AI San)
This comprehensive plan engages directly with the client, offering complete support from business needs assessment through to implementation and ongoing management. This program facilitates the continuous development of AI agents, gradually advancing the company’s AI capabilities.

3. Generative AI Personnel Development (Neighbor AI Camp)
Aimed at organizations looking to build in-house capabilities, this program trains internal staff to create AI agents over a focused four-month curriculum, fostering self-sufficiency in AI integration.

Expert Insights

Ryuta Kasaki, a director at Vision Base, shared insights on the launch, emphasizing, "The labor shortage issue facing Japanese enterprises is not solvable through conventional employment strategies. The Neighboring AI Series was developed to provide a fundamental solution to this challenge. It's critical to view AI not just as a technology, but as a new 'colleague' that can work tirelessly and continually improve its capabilities to support business growth. Our phased approach allows smooth integration, helping enterprises adapt to new working methodologies."

Future Outlook

Vision Base aims to onboard 100 companies by the end of 2025 through the Neighboring AI Series. The firm is committed to ongoing enhancements in AI agent functionalities and adapting to new business domains, all while constructing a platform capable of AI-enabling diverse corporate processes.